Chapter 31

▫️Stella's POV...

The moment Nick walked out, I grabbed my hair in sheer panic. What the actual fuck just happened? Christian Knight likes me? Holy crap. No, no, no—this has to be some twisted joke, right? Nick must be pulling one of his pranks. But then why did I feel like my heart was trying to audition for a drum solo?

Okay, calm down, Stella. Breathe. Let’s break this down. Nick asked me about my feelings for Christian. Do I have any? I mean, I’ve always thought he was hot, handsome, his jawline could cut glass, his body is ridiculously sculptured and inviting. But that’s it, right? Just… superficial appreciation. That doesn’t count as feelings.

Or does it?

Oh god, does that mean I like him? No, no, no! I don’t! I can’t! He’s rude, arrogant, a total jerk—literally the topmost asshole in the world. But… I also wouldn’t mind being with him? Him on the top of me. Us cuddling. Our children.... Wait. What the hell am I thinking?! No! I can’t be with him.

“WHAT THE HELL?!” I yelled at no one, burying my face in my pillow.

Just as I was spiraling into existential doom, the door opened, and in walked him. Christian fucking Knight. He looked at me—no, he smirked at me, because of course he did. And I swear, the moment his eyes landed on me, I felt like a deer caught in headlights.

In my panic, I realized my hands were still tangled in my hair like some lunatic. I quickly loosened my grip, trying to look as casual as possible. Totally didn’t work. He raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything, just headed to his closet to change.

Great. Now he’s half-naked. Just kill me now, universe.

As he disappeared into the bathroom, I collapsed back on my bed. This is all Nick’s fault. He just had to tell me this ridiculous thing. Now I’m hyper-aware of every single move Christian makes. Things are going to be so awkward now.

But wait. Does he know I know? Oh no. What if he does? What if he’s already plotting his next move? Does he have unholy intentions? Will he do the stuff shamelessly. Today or tomorrow? Shouldn't he consider asking my feelings? Satan save me from this container of horny desires! I'm just a drop dead gorgeous girl.

I bolted upright, then immediately decided the best course of action was to fake sleep. That’s it. If I just pretend to be asleep, nothing can happen. I can avoid all conversations and all awkwardness. Solid plan. Foolproof.

I threw the blanket over my head, shut my eyes tight, and lay as still as a corpse. A few minutes later, I heard the door unlock and then his footsteps.

" Huh! Already sleeping,” he muttered to himself.

Then he added, almost like an afterthought, “Good night, baby.”

Baby?! My brain screamed so loud I thought he’d hear it. I’m not your baby, you delusional lunatic! What the hell does he think he’s doing?! But of course, I kept my cool—or rather, I stayed hidden under the blanket, pretending to be knocked out cold.

The bed dipped beside me, and I was just starting to relax when—BAM—I felt myself being pulled toward him. Like, completely toward him. My eyes darted open in pure shock. What the actual fuck is this?

I turned, raising myself on one elbow and using my other hand to grab his wrist mid-air. “Care to explain this lunatic act of yours, huh?” I hissed.

He smirked—again with the smirking—and said, “So you were pretending to sleep.”

“No, I was trying to sleep,” I snapped. “Don’t change the topic. Why the hell are you dragging me like a sack of potatoes?”

“I pulled you because you might’ve fallen off the bed,” he said, as if it was the most logical explanation in the world.

I narrowed my eyes. “Oh really? You pulled me like I’m some ragdoll to save me?”

“Exactly,” he said, completely unfazed.

“Well, no need to pull me this much. Turn around, stay on your side, and keep your distance,” I ordered, turning my back to him and scooting as far away as possible.

I heard him chuckle softly, which only made me blush harder. His true colors were showing now—feelings, smirks, and all. He’s got emotions like a normal human being, and it’s messing with my head.

Great. Just great. Now I’m stuck with the knowledge that Christian Knight likes me, and I’m 99% sure I won’t be able to sleep tonight. Damn you, Nick. Damn you, Christian. And damn me for even considering how good it felt when he pulled me close.

With all those thoughts running wild in my head, I finally drifted off to sleep. By the time morning came, I woke up to find the other side of the bed empty. Christian wasn’t there.

It wasn’t like I was expecting a grand romantic gesture or anything, but… I don’t know, it felt weird. I mean, it wasn’t a bad morning, but it wasn’t exactly great either. Not the kind of morning where I’d wake up in his arms, and he’d say “Good morning” with that rare, genuine smile he had—the one that made his stupidly handsome face even harder to ignore. Maybe even a little tug on my hair like he sometimes did.

Instead, nothing.

“Maybe I was too harsh with him,” I whispered to myself, staring at the empty space beside me.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. What’s wrong with me?

If he has feelings for me, he’s not just playing around, right? But what if it’s just temporary? Just some stupid attraction? And what about me? Do I want him to like me? Do I even like him?

I rolled onto my back, staring at the ceiling. The truth was, I didn’t know. I wouldn’t mind if he liked me. I mean, he’s the dream guy every girl wants—gorgeous, protective, confident. But he’s also… a mafia guy. Dangerous. But I don't mind like it can be "mamma I'm in love with a criminal".

What if he’s just teasing? What if this is all a game to him? Or worse—what if he really does like me, and I’m the one screwing everything up?

Ugh. Stop it, Stella.

I shook my head and got up. No more overthinking. Time to move on with the day.

After getting ready, I headed to breakfast. Liam was already there, munching on toast like he didn’t have a single care in the world.

I joined Liam at the table, trying to focus on the food instead of my thoughts. As we ate, we ended up FaceTiming Ava, who seemed to be having the time of her life. In the middle of the call, MJ walked into the frame, casually picked Ava up in his arms, and they started getting all cute and couple-y.

“Ugh, no thanks,” I muttered, quickly ending the call before I had to witness any more of their lovey-dovey nonsense.

“By the way, where’s Nick?” Liam asked.

“In his room, I think,” I replied.

“And Chris?”

I froze for a second but quickly shook it off. “I don’t know. Why would I?”

Liam gave me a knowing smile. “You know, Chris is a nice guy.”

I blinked at him in confusion. “What’s your point?”

“He’s never dated anyone,” Liam continued, his voice casual. “Not even a crush. So, whoever he ends up liking will be a pretty lucky girl to get a loyal boyfriend.”

I opened my mouth to respond, but before I could say anything, Nick and Chris walked in, taking their seats at the table. Nick immediately smirked at me reminding me about Chris, while Chris looked… indifferent.

But Liam’s words were still hanging in the air. Whoever he ends up liking will be a pretty lucky girl to get a loyal boyfriend.

The sudden rush of adrenaline and anxiety hit me like a truck. I blurted out, “No, she’ll be the poor soul. Chris is a cocky jerk who knows nothing about being romantic.”

The moment the words left my mouth, I wanted to crawl under the table.

Liam and Chris both stared at me, wide-eyed. Nick looked like he was about to choke on his laughter.

What the hell are you doing, Stella? Shut up for once in your life! For the sake of your extinct self respect just shut the fuck up.

Chris narrowed his eyes, his tone sharp. “Care to elaborate on that, Stella?”

I panicked. “I-I didn’t mean anything by it. It was just a slip of the tongue.”

Liam and Nick were practically vibrating with suppressed laughter, but Chris wasn’t laughing. He was dead serious now.

“What do you mean I don’t know anything about being romantic?” he demanded.

“It’s not a big deal,” I said, trying to brush it off.

Chris leaned closer, his voice lower. “Say it, Stella. Say what you mean.”

I sighed, realizing there was no escaping this. “Fine. I meant you know nothing about romantic gestures. Like holding a bouquet instead of a gun. Cutting a cake instead of someone’s throat. Killing with your looks instead of actual people. And you were single all time so it's obvious you know nothing about relationship things.”

Nick burst out laughing, and even Liam had to look away to hide his grin.

But Chris? He wasn’t amused. His voice was cold as ice when he said, “I know when to, where to, how to, with whom to do this stuff. But wait, you think you know about romance, Stella? Did your cheater fiancé teach you that, or did he save all the romance for your best friend?”

His words hit me like a slap to the face. I froze, unable to process what he’d just said. Why is he behaving like this suddenly. Is he really mentally sick. Or he have split personality disorder. For sure.

Nick quickly placed a hand on Chris’s arm, trying to stop him, but it was too late. He was already looking at me, his eyes dark and unrelenting.

Tears stung the corners of my eyes, but I refused to let them fall. Not in front of him. He wasn’t going to get that satisfaction.

Without another word, I left the table and went straight to my room. Not his room—mine.

Slamming the door shut behind me, I sank onto the bed, my hands trembling. Nick was lying. I knew it. Chris doesn’t like me, not even a little. If he did, he wouldn’t have brought up my past like that.

His insults I could take. His arrogance I could handle. But this? This was different. This was him scratching at old wounds, and it hurt more than I wanted to admit.

I wiped at my eyes and took a deep breath. Enough. No more delusions, no more overthinking. I was done. Done with him. Done with this. I don’t deserve this, and I definitely don’t deserve someone who would hurt me like that.

Christian Knight? He’s out of my head and out of my heart. For good.

Moral of the day baby girl - Christian Knight don't even give a fuck about you, afar is having feelings for you.